Ranking the Lions' 5 defensive draft selections by their chances of starting

The Detroit Lions fit their needs during the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting five defensive prospects. This was in addition to the Lions selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round of the draft and Kentucky wide receiver Kendrick Law in the fifth round.

Along with bolstering their offensive line, adding defensive talent, especially to the pass rush, was one of the biggest needs that Lions fans were desperately pushing for general manager Brad Holmes to address during the draft.

With the draft officially in the books for the Lions, here’s a power ranking of the five defensive prospects based on their chances of becoming starters for the Lions defense.

1. Derrick Moore, EDGE

The second-round selection of former Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore was by far one of Lions fans' favorite selections from this year’s draft, as the Wolverines star was drafted at No. 44 overall.

After years of Lions fans begging for Holmes to address the Lions' pass rush, Detroit may have found its "Robin" for Aidan Hutchinson, selecting another former Michigan star. While Moore didn’t play with Hutchinson at Michigan, he had a remarkable four seasons with the Wolverines, recording 95 total tackles, 21 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Moore has the opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Lions, as he and Hutchinson have the potential to become a dynamic duo for Detroit and take the defense a step forward. It'll take some time for Moore to adjust, but he could develop into a special player for the Lions' defense

2. Jimmy Rolder, Linebacker

Another product from Michigan, Jimmy Rolder, provides the Lions depth at the linebacker position, which was needed following Alex Anzalone’s departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rolder is set to join a Lions linebacker room that features starters Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Derrick Barnes.

Expect Rolder to be on that second string of linebackers behind Barnes, Rodriguez, and Campbell during his rookie season. In his four seasons with the Wolverines, Rolder recorded 118 total tackles, two sacks, and an interception. One of his biggest plays from last season for Michigan was an early fumble recovery that set the tone in the Wolverines 31-20 rivalry win over Michigan State.

3. Keith Abney II, Cornerback

There is much for Lions fans to love about their fifth-round draft pick, cornerback Keith Abney II from Arizona State. In his three seasons with the Sun Devils, Abney was an exceptional leader for an Arizona State defense that, along with their high-powered offense, helped them earn a spot in the College Football Playoff in 2024.

During his collegiate career at Arizona State, Abney recorded 98 total tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack. Abney looks to bring that same energy and passion that he had at Arizona State to the Lions' secondary. Look for Abney to be part of the second string of the Lions' secondary next season.

4. Tyre West, Defensive Tackle

The Detroit Lions selected Tyre West in the seventh round of the draft with the No. 222 overall pick from the Tennessee Volunteers. West is one of the two Lions draft selections who will fight their way up the depth chart.

In his four seasons with the Volunteers, West collected 65 total tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles. West will put his skills to the test and prove he can earn quality reps next season.

5. Skyler Gill-Howard, Defensive Tackle

Texas Tech defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard was taken by the Lions in the sixth round of the draft at No. 205 overall. More known for the defensive impact he had in his two seasons with the Northern Illinois Huskies, Gill-Howard transferred to Texas Tech before his season was cut short by an injury.

Gill-Howard’s injury history is a concern for the Lions, which is why he is the least likely defensive prospect from Detroit’s 2026 draft class to become a starter. In his three-year collegiate career with Northern Illinois and Texas Tech, Gill-Howard collected 85 total tackles, six sacks, and one interception.

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